Improved SM2.0 HDR on radeons?

=SANAFABICH= · Mar 3, 2007, 03:27 PM

So, I decided to play "Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory" again. Being an owner of a radeon9800pro I knew I had to download the game's latest patch in order to get SM2.0 functionality. As far as I remember, SM2.0 HDR, without being unimpressive, didn't look as good and shiny as SM3.0 HDR (besides the fact it isn't REAL HDR ,AFAIK).
But I found myself with a pleasant surprise. APPARENTLY ATI managed to improve SM2.0 HDR at least in this game, several released catalyst versions later since the last time I played it. It really makes a huge difference in several SM associated effects.
For instance, I remember light bulbs didn't have much glow and you could actually see their outline, which make them look rather ugly. Here's a comparison image (obviously I didn't have my own "before" images, so I took one from a 2005 bit-tech.net review. The "after" image was taken yesterday by me):

You can clearly see the difference, how the bulb's outline is now diffuse and more realistic, with a nice glow effect. And I found many improved SM and HDR related effects throughout the game.
I know this is probably of no real interest for newer ATi cards owners, but it is good news for us "older" radeon owners

Maybe this is an already well known driver improvement for some time now and if that is the case then I guess I missed the news. Still, I think it's quite interesting

Complete screenshots:
Before...................................After

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 4, 2007, 08:19 PM

Hurray for driver updates?

=SANAFABICH= · Mar 5, 2007, 11:49 PM

I guess so

H3X4D3C1M4L · Mar 7, 2007, 08:37 PM

It might be a Catalyst AI thing too, I've noticed turning it down from Advanced to Standard or Off had similar effects in some games.

Mar 3, 2007, 03:27 PM	#1
=SANAFABICH= DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	Improved SM2.0 HDR on radeons? So, I decided to play "Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory" again. Being an owner of a radeon9800pro I knew I had to download the game's latest patch in order to get SM2.0 functionality. As far as I remember, SM2.0 HDR, without being unimpressive, didn't look as good and shiny as SM3.0 HDR (besides the fact it isn't REAL HDR ,AFAIK). But I found myself with a pleasant surprise. APPARENTLY ATI managed to improve SM2.0 HDR at least in this game, several released catalyst versions later since the last time I played it. It really makes a huge difference in several SM associated effects. For instance, I remember light bulbs didn't have much glow and you could actually see their outline, which make them look rather ugly. Here's a comparison image (obviously I didn't have my own "before" images, so I took one from a 2005 bit-tech.net review. The "after" image was taken yesterday by me): You can clearly see the difference, how the bulb's outline is now diffuse and more realistic, with a nice glow effect. And I found many improved SM and HDR related effects throughout the game. I know this is probably of no real interest for newer ATi cards owners, but it is good news for us "older" radeon owners Maybe this is an already well known driver improvement for some time now and if that is the case then I guess I missed the news. Still, I think it's quite interesting Complete screenshots: Before...................................After

Mar 4, 2007, 08:19 PM	#2
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Hurray for driver updates?

Mar 5, 2007, 11:49 PM	Thread Starter #3
=SANAFABICH= DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	I guess so

Mar 7, 2007, 08:37 PM	#4
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	It might be a Catalyst AI thing too, I've noticed turning it down from Advanced to Standard or Off had similar effects in some games.